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Feasibility of an Internet-Based Intervention to Promote Exercise for People With Spinal Cord Injury: Observational
Christa Ochoa1, Maria Cole1, Katherine Froehlich-Grobe1,2
1Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, TX, United States.
JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
|June 9, 2021
Summary
This pilot study shows that a web-based program is a feasible way to increase physical activity (PA) for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). High engagement rates suggest the intervention can be used in larger trials.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Digital Health Interventions
- Physical Activity Promotion
Background:
- Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) exhibit lower physical activity (PA) levels and higher chronic disease risk.
- Unique barriers to PA in SCI populations include transportation and equipment access.
- An evidence-based phone intervention was adapted into a web-based platform, Workout on Wheels internet intervention (WOWii), to address these barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of delivering the WOWii program via a web-based and virtual format.
- To evaluate the potential for a randomized controlled trial of the WOWii intervention.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week abbreviated version of the WOWii program was delivered to 10 participants with SCI.
- Feasibility was assessed by tracking videoconference attendance, module activity completion, and PA monitor usage.
- Engagement metrics included videoconference attendance, activity completion rates, and PA monitor syncing.
Main Results:
- Participants attended 83% of weekly videoconferences and completed 85% of web-based activities.
- 58% of participants used the PA monitor for the full 4 weeks, with 90% syncing it at least once.
- Overall engagement across all intervention components averaged 75%.
Conclusions:
- The WOWii intervention demonstrated high engagement levels, supporting its use in a full randomized controlled trial.
- Findings from this pilot inform refinements for a larger trial testing PA improvements in SCI.
- Web-based and virtual delivery is a feasible approach for promoting PA in SCI populations.
